Linebacker Dave Wilcox, a 49ers standout in the late 1960s and early 1970s, died Wednesday at the age of 80, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Wilcox appeared in seven Pro Bowls and was a member of three consecutive 49er playoff teams from 1970 to 1972.
Earlier, 49ers CEO Jed York took to Twitter and wrote “Dave Wilcox was a great man. He will be missed.”
Wilcox was drafted by both the NFL’s 49ers and the AFL’s Oilers after playing at Oregon. Wilcox chose San Francisco, where he would play for the rest of his 11-year career.
Wilcox, nicknamed “The Intimidator,” was named to the Pro Bowl in 1966 and again from 1968 to 1973.
“Defensively, I had an area,” Wilcox said in a statement by adding “And I did not like people in that area. So when I prepared to play the game it was to keep everybody out of that area. Nobody was going to run in my area, nobody was going to pass in my area. This is my spot and nobody was welcome there.”
Wilcox was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000. Justin and Josh, his sons, both played college football at Oregon. The California Golden Bears’ new head coach is Justin Wilcox.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dave Wilcox. May his departed soul rest in peace!